Radar Studios, WTFN’s newly unveiled venture combining its digital and distribution arms, has entered into a pact with broadcaster Sir Tony Robinson to launch a new history brand featuring a YouTube channel and a TV show.
Tony Robinson Rewrites History launches with a YouTube channel featuring an initial 12 half-hour episodes, with a 6×60-minute version that Radar Studios will introduce to international buyers at MIPCOM.
WTFN Group has been in business with Robinson for more than 15 years, resulting in shows like Tony Robinson’s Time Walks and Tony Robinson’s Tour of Duty. Radar Studios also operates Time Travels, a history YouTube channel that features some of Robinson’s library titles.
“The great thing about this partnership is that we’re no longer thinking about history as something that has to fit into one particular television slot,” Robinson said. “We can tell stories in different ways, for different audiences and across different platforms. There is an enormous amount to explore and I’m hoping these first six hours are just the beginning.”
Derek Dyson, chief commercial officer at Radar Studios, noted, “There could hardly be a better partner than Tony to lead off our originals strategy. He is one of the most recognisable and trusted faces in popular history, with an extraordinary ability to make the past entertaining, accessible and relevant to audiences around the world. Significantly, Tony Robinson Rewrites History demonstrates exactly why we created Radar Studios. Instead of making a series and then deciding where it might live, we are developing IP from the outset with multiple audiences, platforms and distribution opportunities in mind. We are creating original content for a dedicated, managed YouTube channel; developing additional digital opportunities around that content; and producing a standalone six-part television series for international buyers. One creative partnership and one piece of IP can therefore generate a whole ecosystem of content and commercial opportunities. By bringing content creation, channel management and international distribution together within Radar Studios, we can manage that entire journey ourselves.”
